The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting the Huawei Watch GT Runner, known for its running-focused features, against the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, a popular all-around fitness tracker. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which is best for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch GT Runner edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active for serious runners due to its advanced running metrics and training insights. However, the S1 Active offers a more versatile feature set and potentially better value for casual fitness enthusiasts. It's a close call, depending on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 18 | 2022, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 26 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 46.5 x 47.3 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.86 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 38.5 g (1.38 oz) | 36 (1.27 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
IP68
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | - |
| Type | Li-Po 455 mAh | Li-Po 470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Moon White, Space Black, Ocean Blue |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Huawei Watch GT Runner
- Advanced running metrics
- TruSport training insights
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging
- Stylish design
- Potentially higher price
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
- Versatile fitness tracking (swimming, etc.)
- Stylish design
- Good value for money
- Bright AMOLED display
- Notification management
- Less specialized running features
- Battery life slightly shorter than GT Runner
- Potential software quirks
Display Comparison
The Huawei Watch GT Runner typically features an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and good visibility, often around 1.43 inches. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active also boasts an AMOLED display, likely around 1.43 inches as well, with a focus on brightness and clarity. Both offer excellent viewing experiences, though Huawei's display might have slightly better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches focused on fitness tracking.
Performance
The Watch GT Runner is designed for performance tracking, utilizing Huawei's TruSport algorithm for running analysis. The S1 Active offers a smooth user experience with its processor, handling notifications and apps efficiently. The GT Runner's strength lies in its specialized running features, while the S1 Active provides a more general-purpose performance.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT Runner generally offers around 14 days of battery life in typical use and 7-10 days with continuous heart rate and SpO2 monitoring. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active typically provides around 12 days of battery life in standard mode and 6-8 days with always-on display enabled. The GT Runner has a slight edge in battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Watch GT Runner is ideal for dedicated runners who want detailed performance data, personalized training plans, and a focus on outdoor activities. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is a great choice for those seeking a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch for everyday wear and general fitness tracking, including swimming and basic workout monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT Runner good for swimming?
Yes, the Huawei Watch GT Runner is water-resistant and suitable for swimming, but it's primarily focused on running metrics rather than detailed swim tracking.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active have GPS?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active includes built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling.
